American Film Institute Appoints Michael Lumpkin Director of AFI Docs

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Category: Entertainment News

Published on Thursday, 11 December 2014 04:38

Written by AFI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, LOS ANGELES, CA,DECEMBER 11, 2014– The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the appointment of producer and the Executive Director of the International Documentary Association (IDA) Michael Lumpkin as Director of AFI DOCS, the Institute's annual documentary festival in Washington, DC. Also announced today is the return of AT&T as the festival's presenting sponsor.

With nearly three decades of experience in the film community as a producer, documentarian and Executive Director of IDA, Lumpkin brings a versatile perspective to AFI DOCS, a well-rounded appreciation for the impact of the art form and a thorough understanding of AFI.

"Michael is uniquely qualified to lead AFI DOCS into the future," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. "His is a life lived at the heart of the documentary community, and we are proud to know he'll be overseeing AFI's efforts to bring together America's leading artists with its nation's leaders - elevating the art form's ability to effect change."

"I'm honored to be joining one of the world's top film organizations and expanding the rich history and proud tradition of AFI DOCS," said Lumpkin. "Six wonderful years at IDA solidified my passion for documentary films, and I look forward to bringing that passion to AFI."

Lumpkin has served for six years as the Executive Director of IDA, a non-profit membership organization dedicated to building and serving the needs of a thriving documentary culture. Through its programs, IDA provides resources, creates community, and defends rights and freedoms for documentary artists, activists and journalists. Lumpkin had previously served for more than 25 years as both Executive Director of Frameline and Festival Director for the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. He has also been a member of Frameline's Board of Directors and co-produced the highly acclaimed documentary THE CELLULOID CLOSET. Michael has participated as a juror for the Sundance Film Festival and served in an advisory capacity for numerous film festivals around the world.

"AT&T's renewed commitment as presenting sponsor underscores their commitment to the arts in America and their unique ability to bring us all together as one global audience," said Gazzale. "Their support will continue to forge AFI DOCS forward."

"We are proud to continue our support for AFI DOCS, which offers tremendous value to the entertainment industry and society – with the potential to inspire important change," said Lori Lee, Senior Executive Vice President - Home Solutions, AT&T. "And we congratulate Michael Lumpkin on his appointment as Director of AFI DOCS."

About AFI AT&T
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About AFI DOCS
AFI DOCS is the American Film Institute's annual documentary festival in the Washington, DC, area. Presenting the year's best documentaries, AFI DOCS is the only festival in the U.S. dedicated to screenings and events that connect audiences, filmmakers and policy leaders in the seat of our nation's government. The AFI DOCS advisory board includes Ken Burns, Davis Guggenheim, Chris Hegedus, Werner Herzog, Barbara Kopple, Spike Lee, Albert Maysles, Errol Morris, D A Pennebaker and Frederick Wiseman. Now approaching its 13th year, the festival will be heldJune 17-21, 2015in landmark Washington, DC, venues and the historic AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, MD. Visit AFI.com/AFIDOCS and connect on twitter.com/AFIDOCS,facebook.com/AFIDOCS and youtube.com/AFI.

About the American Film Institute
AFI is America's promise to preserve the heritage of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.AFI programs include the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and AFI Archive, which preserve film heritage for future generations; the AFI Life Achievement Award– the highest honor for a career in film;AFI Awards, honoring the most outstanding motion pictures and television programs of the year;AFI's 100 Years…100 Moviestelevision events and movie reference lists, which have introduced and reintroduced classic American movies to millions of film lovers; year-round and special event exhibition throughAFI FEST presented by Audi, AFI DOCS and the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center; and educating the next generation of storytellers at the world-renowned AFI Conservatory. For more information about AFI, visit AFI.com or connect with AFI at facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute,twitter.com/AmericanFilm and youtube.com/AFI.

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